Adrian C. Louis Presentation response

There are several reasons why I chose Adrian C. Louis’ Vortex of Indian Fevers for my presentation. His poetry is a timeless representation of the modern Lakota. He has a heartfelt view of the natural world, as well as the human condition. In addition, he is well-traveled and educated, and he exploits the synthesis of his background with startling results.

Although I cannot claim the Lakota lineage, my best friend since high school is Lakota. I grew up spending as much time at his house as I did with any other family. I also grew up with the rodeo crowd from the Rapid City area. Thus, my background takes me out of the typical ‘observer’ area usually filled by the white American. (By the way, I think at least every South Dakotan, and ideally every American, should be required to read Vine Deloria, Jr.’s Custer Died for Your Sins and John G. Neihardt’s Black Elk Speaks. Both speak volumes about Native culture, and are from authentic, non-researcher standpoints).

Louis’ visions are poignant, candid, saddening, and often humorous. I usually look for a well-rounded author when I choose to read something on my own time, and I was not in any regard disappointed by Vortex. Much of the poetry I write is ‘prophetic’, drawing on visions and dreams I’ve had since childhood. It was not until later, when my family moved to South Dakota, and I began to absorb some authentic Lakota culture, that I was able to comprehend them. Even though I am (to the best of my knowledge) a full Irish-German, Louis’ writing speaks directly to me, comforts me, and confirms much of what I have believed since childhood. The only subject matter I cannot relate directly to is reservation life, but Louis presents it in such an honest, first-hand way, that any outsider will likely regard his message with the solemnity it deserves.

Louis’ work is a modern epic of a shattered people trying desperately, despite the ‘help’ of the government and popular culture, to reassemble and preserve what was taken. His story is one of pain and acceptance, of pleasure and dreams. He is a visionary and a storyteller. He is wakan: a holy man. He is the last channel of the Beats. Adrian C. Louis’ Vortex of Indian Fevers is one of the true American classics. And the call he gives is not particular to race: bliya hici ayo (make yourself resilient).